Deschutes Land Trust announces new Ochoco Preserve

Deschutes Land Trust announces new Ochoco Preserve New 152-acre Preserve conserves portions of three major streams in Crook County

Bend, OR—The Deschutes Land Trust announced today it has established a new 152-acre Preserve near Prineville. The new Ochoco Preserve includes frontage on the Crooked River and its two main tributaries, Ochoco Creek and McKay Creek. The new Preserve will provide additional floodplain for the Crooked River and will build on previous restoration work completed at the City of Prineville’s Crooked River Wetlands Complex immediately across the river.

The Land Trust is developing management plans for the Preserve, including assessing opportunities for stream restoration, wetland restoration, community access, and outdoor education. The Land Trust is working with the City of Prineville to ensure these its plans complement the access and education opportunities the City is providing at the Crooked River Wetlands Complex.

The Land Trust has enlisted the help of a variety of partners to plan the future of Ochoco Preserve. The Land Trust expects the planning phase of the project to extend through 2020, with design and implementation of any restoration or community engagement components to follow as it secures funds for those activities.

The Land Trust partnered with community lender Craft3 to purchase Ochoco Preserve. Craft3 provided financing through its Conservation Bridge Fund, which provides loans for conservation, restoration, and open space.

The Deschutes Land Trust is Central Oregon’s locally-based, nationally-accredited land trust. Since 1995, the Deschutes Land Trust has protected more than 9,052 acres for wildlife, scenic views, and local communities. For more information on the Deschutes Land Trust, contact us at (541) 330-0017 or visit www.deschuteslandtrust.org.